The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria may grant airport cab operators one last extension to meet its new vehicle standards, pushing the compliance deadline to October 2026.
FAAN announced the possible extension on June 22, 2026, saying it’s responding to concerns from the Association of Private Cab Operators about upgrade costs and higher airport fees.
Officials say the move would be final. The agency argues operators have already had over 2 years to prepare, with deadlines shifted from the original July 2024 notice to January 2026, then June 2026.
“This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards,” FAAN said in a statement. It added that no further extensions will be considered after October.
The upgrades are part of FAAN’s push to improve safety, comfort, and reliability at Nigerian airports. The authority notes that airport taxis are often a traveler’s first and last impression of the country.
FAAN also defended its plan to raise cab operators’ daily operational charge from ₦500 to ₦1,500. The fee hasn’t changed in 8 years, it said, despite inflation and higher maintenance costs. The increase, it added, will help maintain airport infrastructure.
The agency rejected claims that it ignored operators, stating it consults directly with licensed cab companies through an established engagement framework — not through unions or associations.
The directive is the latest in FAAN’s broader reforms to bring Nigeria’s airport services in line with global standards.
